Natural Ways of Preventing Deer

Jake Kruse is a longtime Southeast Iowa dog breeder who operates K&E Landscapes, Inc., and provides a full range of commercial and residential solutions. One area of extensive knowledge for Jake Kruse is strategies for deer-proofing the lawn and garden.

It is a fact of life that deer are attracted to plants and flowers, particularly in the spring, as blossoms appear and vegetables take off. Preferred plants include dogwood, roses, and English ivy. One nontoxic way to prevent deer from entering one’s property is through the use of sprayed repellents with pungent aromas, such as eggs, garlic, and even soap and water. An effective taste-based repellent is chili pepper, which can be sprayed on blossoms and leaves.

Another option is to select herbs and flowers that generate strong scents deer find unappetizing. Among these are lavender, marigolds, and sage, which can be strategically placed near foliage that deer would otherwise go for, including yew, azaleas, and pansies. There are also a number of plants that present a bitter flavor, including ferns, yarrow, and poppies.

Another option is to cultivate thick hedges of plants such as red cedar, mountain laurel, and boxwood. Acting as a physical barrier, they also prevent deer from peering into the garden and gaining a view of plants they might be attracted to.